Defender Emrah Klimenta Named to the USL Team of the Week

By Eira Castillo, 07/04/17, 8:15AM PDT

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The defender picks up his second Team of the Week nomination of the 2017 season.

Sacramento Republic FC defender Emrah Klimenta has been named to the USL Team of the Week for Week 15. Klimenta’s nomination earns Republic FC consecutive Team of the Week honors, after Trevin Caesar and Wilson Kneeshaw earned their own honors for Week 14, with Caesar also being named the Player of the Week.

Klimenta scored the only goal in Republic FC’s 1-1 draw against San Antonio FC on Saturday, Jul. 1. In the 19th minute, Klimenta emerged from the backline and pushed forward to link up with midfielder Danny Barrera . Klimenta continued his run for Barrera to slide a through ball towards him in a perfect position for him to take a shot. With a right-footed strike, Klimenta beat San Antonio FC keeper Lee Johnston to give Republic FC the 1-0 lead.

The Montenegro international nearly struck again in the 34th minute off a corner kick from Barrera after confusion from the San Antonio FC defense allowed the defender to send three shots towards goal, but Johnston was able to stifle the attack and make some impressive saves. Throughout the match, Klimenta also recorded two interceptions and two tackles, and completed 47-of-53 passes in a strong all-around performance.

This is the second time this season that Klimenta has been named to the USL Team of the Week. He was named to the Week 1 Team of the Week after scoring the match-winning goal against Seattle Sounders FC 2 in Republic FC’s season opener, which was also his first match back since an ACL injury in July 2016.

Four other Republic FC players have been named to the Team of the Week this season including defender Chris Christian and forwards Sammy Ochoa, Trevin Caesar and Wilson Kneeshaw, with Kneeshaw also receiving the nomination twice in 2017.

KIimenta is currently in the running for USL Goal of the Week for Week 15. Fans can vote through Thursday, Jul. 6 at 6 a.m. for Klimenta’s goal against San Antonio FC.